The Takeaway: Would Hamas complicate US plans for reset with Palestinians? Also: the back story on the spat between Israel and Jordan; Gulf post-COVID economic trends; Turkey’s Kurds; Egypt and Somalia; and more! Originals
Egypt sentences activist Sanaa Seif to 18 months in prison Seif, who had been in pretrial detention since June, was convicted Wednesday of spreading false news and misusing social media. Egypt
Ukraine rejects Iran's final report on downed passenger plane The Iranian government said last year's shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was the result of a human error. Iran
Palestinians receive first batch of vaccines through COVAX More than 60,000 doses of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines arrived in Ramallah on Wednesday. Palestine
Israeli police turn up heat on Netanyahu The detention of Yitzhak Molcho, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s personal envoy and closest associate, sends shock waves through Israel’s security and political arenas. Egypt
Egyptian proposal to protect formal Arabic has journalists worried Critics say a draft law intended to preserve traditional, formal Arabic and discourage the use of the modern Egyptian dialect threatens the freedom of the press. Egypt
Egypt takes action to investigate notorious prison The Egyptian government has promised to investigate the conditions at the Tora Maximum Security Prison following complaints by prisoners’ families and nongovernmental organizations. Egypt
Syria's Arab, Kurdish women join forces to fight for future Scores of Arab women are joining the Kurdish Women’s Protection Units in Syria as they see an opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of future generations of women. Syria
Baghdad looks to take control of KRG oil The federal government in Baghdad seeks to extend its full control over all oil wells in the disputed areas between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region, even those within the region. Iraq
'Gaza Tourist' journeys through heritage and lives A young Palestinian hikes and bikes around Gaza to explore its cultural and historical heritage and landscape and share its beauty and traditions with others. Palestine
'Terrorist rehab' opens its doors in northern Syria An anti-radicalism center has opened its doors in northern Aleppo and is aimed at rehabilitating young people indoctrinated by extremist groups such as the Islamic State. Syria
Palestinian Authority showing Dahlan-era officers the door Security-related issues could challenge the Palestinian reconciliation if Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas continues purging security force members who were appointed by rival Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan. Palestine
Jordan continues olive exports to Israel despite objections Some Jordanians condemn the country's export of olives to Israel, saying it hurts the local economy while helping Israel. Jordan
Israeli media play game of polls Despite flattering polls for Labor Party Chair Avi Gabbay, it is too early to say that there has been a change in the breakdown of the rival blocs. Israel
After Hariri’s resignation, what’s next for Lebanon? Saad Hariri, in Saudi Arabia, resigns as Lebanon's prime minister, leaving observers to wonder why and speculate about Lebanon's future. Saudi Arabia
Putin, Khamenei agree they need each other Iran and Russia deepen energy cooperation; Iran has Hezbollah’s back; does the CIA have a back channel to Assad? Iraq
